1.1i First 3dr

My car

My 2003 Saxo 1.1 Desire is honestly the best car I have ever owned (and it's my eleventh). It is fun to drive, economical, and I can fit my large dog comfortably in the boot. I've had it from new, it's now 12 years old and done 122,000 miles but it has been remarkably reliable for its age and mileage, with only minor problems like the CD player, cigarette lighter and remote central locking ceasing to function over the years. Realistically it's probably coming to the end of it's life now, but it's a measure of how brilliant it is that I am finding it really hard to come up with a comparable replacement. (Any suggestions, anyone?) So, if you find a lower mileage one with one careful lady owner (yes, that's me) it would definitely be worth looking at. Only problem - she's not likely to be getting rid of it.

1.1i Desire 3dr

Matt Hamill
,
Devon
.
Date:
29/10/2014

Overall verdict

4
out of 5 stars

What's it like to drive

4
out of 5 stars

Running costs

3
out of 5 stars

Quality, practicality and equipment

2
out of 5 stars

Average MPG

40

My car

My first car. The good old Citroen was my first love and what can I say for what I thought would be a bake bean can on wheels it was instead fantastic and for a 1.1 went like stink. The interior wasnt much to be desired but not many peoples first cars are. The mpg was average for a 1.1 petrol and the reliability was also average I only had to replace few parts over the couple of years I had it but the car had done 90000 miles so I expected this. The steering of the car was extremely fun and sensitive for an oldish car which I was surprised. I know the saxo is known as a chavs dream but I honestly loved this car and if you find yourself a good not modded one you are in for a treat as to this day it still goes down as one of the funnest cars I have driven. The only downside I would have was comfort. I am quite tall so often I found the saxo quite uncomfortable when on long journeys but the drive made up for this

1.5D X 5dr

martin mccluskey
Date:
15/01/2009

Overall verdict

4
out of 5 stars

What's it like to drive

4
out of 5 stars

Running costs

5
out of 5 stars

Quality, practicality and equipment

4
out of 5 stars

Average MPG

50

My car

I have had a Saxo on loan from a garage for a week now while my VW Passat is undergoing major repairs. I've not driven a small car for a long time and am pleasantly surprised with this one.

The only criticism i would have is that the pedals are too close together for anyone who drives wearing heavy shoes or working boots.

There is a factory fitted immobiliser consisting of a keypad just in front of the gear stick. You have to enter a 4 figure PIN code before the car will start. Don't forget the number! I find this feature quite irritating.

I can't comment on reliability, but the diesel engine is smooth running and doesn't sound strained even at motorway speeds. (This car is 10 years old and has 187,000 miles on the clock!)

I would recommend the Saxo for anyone in the market for a small car, but go for one with PAS, as without it, the steering is heavy at low speeds.

I would estimate the fuel consumption at 11 miles/litre or 50 mpg with a mixture of long distance and town driving.

I'm enjoying driving this little car, and if they can't fix my Passat, i may even buy a Saxo myself!

1.1 SX 3dr

Andrew Hood
Date:
17/07/2008

Overall verdict

3
out of 5 stars

What's it like to drive

4
out of 5 stars

Running costs

3
out of 5 stars

Quality, practicality and equipment

3
out of 5 stars

My car

My dad bought this from new - ex demonstrator - and he loved it although it was small. I bought it from him when it was 5 yr old. It certainly looked the part, even the number plate the factory put on said SAX. 1.1i engine was nippy and the handling was excellant - sadly thats where it stops being great. Body panels are very thin and flimsy. Gear change is notchy, especially 3rd. And despite paying Citroen £150 to fix an oil leak - i still ended up doing it myself because they didnt believe it was leaking... (it was from the lower seal of the block near the crank). Rust started kicking in underneath by this time too. Inside however was pleasant, good looking dash and plastics. Funky colours and quite refined - engine/wind/road noise levels all good for a small car. Bit of a boy racer car though, spoils the image.